Solar energy has been identified as a potential solution to the Mindanao power crisis by Senator Edgardo J. Angara, Chair of the Congressional Commission on Science, Technology and Engineering (COMSTE).

"In COMSTE our panel experts in Energy and Environment have targeted solar energy as a key factor in overcoming the power crisis in Mindanao. This source of Renewable Energy (RE) can complement existing coal-fired plants and is applicable even if off-grid areas," said Angara.

COMSTE reports show that recent studies by the Manila Observatory (MO) have indicated that Mindanao will be drier in the years to come lessening the effectiveness of RE sources like Hydropower, which supplies 70% of the power to the island.

Angara stated that the government should look into alternative ways to develop power sources, specifically through Public Private Partnerships (PPP's). He said that the Cagayan Electric Power and Light Co., Inc. (Cepalco), which already has a 1MW solar plant in Cagayan de Oro, is looking to expand their existing capacity to 4MW in two years.

"We should be able to take advantage of collaboration with the private sector and develop more energy projects that can take advantage of the Renewable Energy Act," added Angara.

The Renewable Energy Act of 2008 exempts renewable energy sources from Value Added Tax (VAT), grants a seven year income tax holiday, and prioritizes the purchase, grid connection and transmission of electricity generated by companies from renewable energy sources.

COMSTE has been planning projects to enhance the use of solar power in the country. A new solar testing facility, which is set to open within the month in Batangas, which is a partnership between COMSTE and First Philec, and can test panels for optimal output in tropical conditions.

Dr. Shigero Niki of Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, who heads their Solar Research and Testing Laboratory, expressed interest in sending PV for testing in the Philippines, noting that a testing facility here would be able to identify the proper engineering and technology for PV arrays and components which would be ideal for tropical conditions.

COMSTE recently sent a delegation to Taiwan to visit with the heads of more than 15 solar companies in the hopes of being able to entice them to send their solar cells for testing at the new solar testing facility.

The Philippines, which is the world's second largest producer of Geothermal Energy behind the US, is considered to have huge potential in terms of supplying renewable energy. The Philippine Energy Security Plan states that the country has the potential to average 5.0 -5.1 kWh/M²/day.

"Mindanao has the highest percentage of un-electrified barangays in the country, if we are able to apply solar energy effectively, the potential upside is enormous," said Angara.